Ventana software support forum

Paul,

You might have a look at Chapter 17: Systems Ecology and Sustainable
Development: Links on Two Levels, by Leon Braat, in the book "Maximum
Power: The Ideas and Applications of H.T. Odum." (1995) ISBN 0-87081-362-5

Included in the referenced chapter is Figure 17.4: "A systems ecological
model for sustainable development analysis."

I think the diagram and the accompanying text will help you immensely in
analyzing and presenting your analysis of the property rights issue
vis-a-vis most of the "big picture" sustainability issues (although the
schematic can be applied to any level of the property rights issue...Earth,
region, country, municipality, community, etc.).

Another good source of information is the "World Resources 2000-2001 Report:
People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life," by UNDP, UNEP, World Bank,
and WRI (2000) ISBN 1-56973-443-7 ...on the web at WWW.WRI.ORG/WR2000
See for example Box 1.16: Uprooting Communal Tenure in Indonesian Forests."

The Nature Conservancy (WWW.TNC.ORG) and their approach to protecting
biodiversity, etc., by purchasing land--would be worth including in your
thinking about property rights.

There is also good literature out there on the concept of "eminent domain,"
which essentially means that the natural environment should have legal
standing in the same way that you or I do (but more so). "Eminent domain" is
a useful balancing concept to check out relative to the "property rights"
and land tenure point-of-view.

As a precaution, rather than your modeling this yourself, it is suggested
you involve others with diverse backgrounds and perspectives on the issue in
mapping then modeling, keeping it as simple as possible. Naturally you need
to keep in mind the ultimate purpose of this effort and who the intended
audience will be. The more you can involve the end-users in the analysis,
the better (e.g., in a workshop as opposed to only through a written
report).

Good luck,
-Peter Heffron
heffron@hialoha.net